Dr. Shanthi Thangam, a psychiatrist at Happy Heart in Odessa, said schizophrenia is one of the more serious mental health issues a person can have and even though the number of reported incidents are low the seriousness of the symptoms is significant.

“Generally with schizophrenia people become suspicious and paranoid,” said Thangham.

Thangham said hallucinations and delusions are two of the major symptoms a person with schizophrenia can experience.

“In reality, there may be nothing going on in their environment but it’s the perception that they are being subjected to some kind of harm,” said Thangham.

In the report, the Odessa Police Department said the incident happened on the 4900 block of Cordova Street and the 10-year-old girl ran from her mom Andrea Swilling to a nearby school.

“Weapons must be taken out of the household and anything that would be predispose them and any avenue must be closed,” said Thangham.

Corporal Steve LeSueur of the Odessa Police Department said, “I can’t remember the last time we had a shooting involving a parent and a child like this.”

Thangam added after an experience like this the family has to talk to someone about it.

“The child has to know that it’s not her fault,” said Thangham.

Dr. Thangham believed there should be a support system in place for the 10-year-old and continuing her normal routine like going to school would help a lot.

Water is always needed and protected in our area. Industry leaders in oil and gas have come to Midland County to discuss the precious resource during the first Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference.

Water is always needed and protected in our area. Industry leaders in oil and gas have come to Midland County to discuss the precious resource during the first Permian Basin Water in Energy Conference.